Thursday 4th June

Thursday, 4 June 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter, based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. The new live-action Masters of the Universe movie, filmed in Somerset, is released this week...and more

An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. The Merlin Mk4 came down during a training exercise near Okehampton in the early hours of yesterday morning. Military investigators are working to establish the cause of the crash, while tributes continue to be paid to those who lost their lives.

The West of England, including parts of Somerset, are unlikely to see driverless taxis on the roads any time soon, despite the government launching a pilot scheme that could pave the way for automated vehicles across the country. The West of England Combined Authority will have the final say on whether they are introduced locally with Metro Mayor, Helen Godwin, indicating she's not in favour, saying her priority is improving public transport rather than focusing on driverless cars.

Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. Freedom Leisure, which already runs Goldenstones in Yeovil, is taking over from Fusion Leisure after the company entered administration. The move means leisure centres in Frome, Wells, Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet will remain open, safeguarding jobs and services.

Somerset council has outlined the next steps in improving support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. A new SEND Reform Plan aims to help schools, colleges and early years providers offer support earlier and create a more inclusive system. If approved by the Department for Education, up to ninety per cent of Somerset's historic SEND funding deficit could be written off.

The new live-action Masters of the Universe film is released this week. Much of the production was filmed at Wells Cathedral, with Somerset-born actor James Purefoy staring in the role of King Randor, the father of He-Man.

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Friday 17th July

Plans have been submitted to build 30 new homes in Ashill. As the heatwave continues, a Somerset air conditioning business says demand for its services has never been higher. Morrisons has confirmed it will close its Glenthorne Avenue store in Yeovil on August 1st... and more
Thursday 16th July

Plans to build up to one hundred new homes on Yeovil's former cattle market have moved a step closer. It’s being made easier for parents in Somerset to register children for free school meals. Wessex Water says it has no plans for a hosepipe ban at the moment but is keeping a close eye on supplies as demand increases... and more
Wednesday 15th July

Bus passengers in Yeovil have been provided with easier access to the town's bus station. Firefighters are warning of an increased risk of wildfires because of the hot weather. Aldi is asking for public comments on plans to build a new food store in Chard... and more
Tuesday 14th July

A Martock machinery business has been bought out of administration saving the jobs of 15 employees. A Somerton man has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving after a car crashed into a house in Martock. Drivers are being reminded that the A303 between South Petherton and Ilminster will be closed in both directions overnight from tonight... and more
Monday 13th July

Somerset Council says it's lost £91 million on commercial property investments. The former Clay Pigeon Karting Track near Yeovil is to be turned into a holiday park. The fire service is warning the dry conditions continue to pose a risk of grass fires... and more
Friday 10th July

The inquest into the death of a sex offender has returned an open conclusion. A driver has been arrested after a pursuit across the county. Ilminster Arts Centre has held its 2026 Open Exhibition Prize Giving Event... and more
Thursday 9th July

A father who shook his baby to death has been convicted of murder. Local people at high risk of having oesophageal cancer can take part in a new NHS test. Cheddar Reservoir will be closed to the public until next Monday morning because of the extreme heat... and more
Wednesday 8th July

NHS Somerset is warning us to take care as a new amber heat-health alert comes into place. A Yeovil encampment of campervans could soon be evicted. Chard’s former Oscar Mayer site could become home to a new Aldi... and more